Survivor XM575

XM575 - East Midlands Aeropark, East Midlands Airport, Leicestershire

Vulcan B.2A XM575 at the East Midlands Aeropark, 12th July 2011; author

XM575 was delivered to the RAF in May 1963, entering service with 617 Squadron and going on to serve with the Scampton and Waddington Wings, 101, 50 and 44 Squadrons. The aircraft took part in the Falklands victory flypast over London in October 1982 and was retired the next year, flying into East Midlands Airport. She has been on display at the East Midlands Aeropark ever since, except for the period the Aeropark was closed and moved to the other side of the airport. XM575 is looking pretty healthy and up until a few years ago at least she still had some life left in her - with working airbrakes and APU and three out of four engines occasionally run up. Sadly they are never going to be run again - the Aeropark's new location is close to some houses, and jet engines (at an airport mind you) are considered a noise nuisance. As with any outside exhibit it is a constant battle to keep her in good condition but with a recent repaint she is looking pretty good all in all.